In the aftermath of the two major earthquakes and aftershocks that struck Turkey and devastated parts of Syria and the Middle East on February 6th, Northwestern students and alumni with ties to the region are taking action to support those affected by the catastrophe.
The Northwestern University Club of Turkey is leading the charge, working to organize fundraisers and raise awareness of the disaster. The group is calling on members of the Northwestern community and beyond to join in supporting the long-term recovery efforts in Turkey and Syria.
“I’ve been hearing a lot of news about what is going on back home; however, no one really knows exactly what is happening,” said Deniz Uzun ’25, a student in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and vice president of the University’s Turkish Student Association. “I feel like there are so many people whose voices have not been heard yet. There is a death toll that is constantly rising, so many cries for help, and a lot of people have not been helped yet.”
The Turkish Student Association is raising relief funds via Venmo @denizyoruk.
“I’m feeling very helpless, wishing I could at least be back home and feel as though I am with my people,” she said. “I almost feel guilty being so far away from the catastrophe. On the other hand, I’m proud of all my friends and the Turkish people I’ve met these past two days. It gives me hope to see how hard everyone is working.”
Uzun said she wants individuals considering a donation to know that every dollar helps.
“We have to act fast,” she said. “But with the right funding, we can reach all the people that are still trapped under collapsed buildings, and all the people who had to rush out of their homes in the cold winter weather that are now freezing on the streets.”
Learn more in Northwestern Now’s article, “Efforts underway to raise funds after Turkey, Syria earthquake.”